Valve has announced that it is allowing users to apply for the Steam for Linux beta.

Valve is specifically looking for experienced users that are familiar with Linux and are running Ubuntu 12.04 or above. This is likely because it's in the way early stages and needs a good debugging. Users that are newer to Linux are being asked to wait until the next beta release to apply.

There are only 1,000 spots available in the current registry, so those who fit the bill can sign up through their Steam accounts. Valve will follow up with users afterward.

Steam is a digital distribution, multiplayer and communications platform that distributes video games online from small developers to larger software companies.

Modern Ubuntu and Linux Mint (and some less known distros like ROSA Desktop and Zorin OS) fly over your bar, like airplanes. Your comments give me the impression that the last time you tried Linux was a long, long, long time ago.

The biggest problem Linux has right now is the lack of sympathy from hardware manufacturers. Most of the problems people have with the OS itself are caused by half-assed hardware support and that's where the solutions often involve getting dirty with the terminal, but ultimately either that's your fault for trying to use an OS that your hardware doesn't officially support or the manufacturer's fault for not supporting Linux, depeinding on how you see it.

On properly supported hardware, like what you'd find on a System76 computer, everything works beautifully.

Then the only concern left will be the apps but that's another story, and Valve is going to make a nice contribution on that front (if it doesn't turn out to be a lame half-assed attempt).